Love Is......(10 things to ponder) - by Bec Bonython
Praxis is generally an academic word that is used to encompass more than just practice, value, belief and action. For our study on Love Is, praxis is to enter into a wrestle of what love means from God’s perspective, and being open to a greater understanding of its width, length, height and depth.
Praxis in this context is to surrender, and prayerfully engage with the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3:14-21. The below 10 points outline a starting point for a praxis of love. And importantly, each point is a reference from the Word of God in order to appropriately provide the lamp we need for the path (Psalm 119:105) of praxis of “Love Is”.
Take a moment to reflect on each verse, study its meaning and ponder its action. And imagine what behaviour comes from each of the points, and what actions are needed.
Listen without interrupting – Pr 18:13 Those who answer before listening – that is their folly and their shame.
Speak without accusing – Jam 1:19 Amp Understand [this] my beloved brethren. Let every person be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offence and to get angry.
Give without sparing – Pr 21:26 All day long they crave for more, but the righteous give without sparing.
Pray without ceasing – 1 Thess 5:17,18 Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Answer without arguing – Pr 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
Share without pretending – Pr 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Trust without wavering – 1 Cor 13:7 Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Forgive without punishing – Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Promise without forgetting – Pr 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Enjoy without complaining – Phi 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become a blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.